Creamy Pasta with Mushrooms and Peas Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients (4 servings):

• 8 ounces farfalle pasta
• 3 strips bacon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup half-and-half
• 1 1/2 cups frozen petite peas
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add farfalle pasta and cook until al dente, about 11 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use to thin the sauce if necessary.

Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon strips and cook, turning occasionally, until crisp, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain. Once cool enough to handle, crumble the bacon and set aside. Discard the bacon grease from the skillet.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add the olive oil and butter, heating over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms have released their moisture, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and add the half-and-half, frozen peas, and dried thyme to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the peas are heated through and the sauce starts to thicken. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

Step 6: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 7: Add the cooked farfalle pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sauce. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with crumbled bacon and chopped parsley.

Step 8: Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy farfalle with bacon, mushrooms, and peas!

Cooks Note: Baby bella mushrooms are also known as cremini mushrooms.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 333
• Total Fat: 14g (18% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 5g (27% DV)
• Cholesterol: 27mg (9% DV)
• Sodium: 452mg (20% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g (14% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 7g (25% DV)
• Total Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 16g (31% DV)
• Vitamin C: 17mg (19% DV)
• Calcium: 152mg (12% DV)
• Iron: 4mg (20% DV)
• Potassium: 557mg (12% DV)

History of Origin
Creamy pasta dishes like this one have long been a staple in Italian cuisine, particularly in the northern regions of the country, where rich cream sauces are favored. While pasta itself was introduced to Italy from China centuries ago, the use of cream in pasta dishes became prominent in the 18th century, particularly in the Lombardy region, known for its dairy production. The combination of mushrooms, peas, and pasta in this dish evokes the simplicity of Italian home cooking, which is centered around fresh, local ingredients and simple, yet bold flavors.

Regional Variations
The combination of pasta with mushrooms and peas is quite popular throughout Italy, though the specific ingredients and cooking methods may vary. In Northern Italy, where butter and cream are commonly used, this dish might include local varieties of wild mushrooms like porcini. In contrast, southern regions might prepare the same dish with a lighter tomato-based sauce or without cream altogether. The type of pasta can also differ based on regional preferences: farfalle (butterfly-shaped pasta) is used here, but other pastas such as fettuccine or penne might be used depending on local customs.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes
While pasta with mushrooms is not uncommon in Italian cuisine, the inclusion of peas and a creamy base makes this dish stand out. Unlike more traditional pasta dishes like pasta alla carbonara or pasta with rag, which are known for their rich and hearty sauces, this creamy pasta with mushrooms and peas offers a lighter, vegetable-focused alternative. The combination of mushrooms, peas, and bacon adds a savory depth to the sauce, making it a comforting yet refreshing option compared to heavier meat-based pasta dishes.

Where It Is Typically Served
This creamy pasta dish is a versatile recipe that can be served in various settings. It is often enjoyed as a hearty dinner or a satisfying lunch. In Italy, you may find it in family-owned trattorias, especially in the northern regions where cream-based dishes are more common. It can also be a popular choice in Italian-American restaurants, where comforting pasta dishes are a staple. Its simple yet indulgent flavors make it a perfect dish for casual gatherings or special occasions.

Interesting Facts
- The name "farfalle" means "butterflies" in Italian, referencing the shape of the pasta. The pasta is often chosen for its ability to hold sauces, making it ideal for rich, creamy dishes like this one.
- Baby Bella mushrooms, also known as cremini mushrooms, are often preferred in this dish due to their mild, earthy flavor. These mushrooms are actually a more mature version of the white button mushroom and offer a deeper, more complex taste.
- The addition of lemon juice in this recipe provides a subtle acidity that helps balance the richness of the cream and cheese, giving the dish a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Creamy pasta dishes like this one are a reflection of the Italian culinary philosophy of simplicity, where a few quality ingredients are combined to create something truly satisfying.

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